What makes easy creamy beef and bowtie pasta so comforting? For me, it’s more than just another quick ground beef dinner idea or ground beef pasta skillet. It’s a dish that carries my mom’s story.
She was a nurse, tired after long shifts, yet she still found time to cook. I learned watching her how to turn simple ingredients into something that felt like love.
Golden Creamy Bowties, Bite After Bite
- It’s my comfort dish, one of those creamy beef pasta recipes.
- My mom worked night shifts as a nurse, yet she always found time for pasta.
- Now it’s my turn. A skillet, some ground beef, a swirl of cream.
The Ingredients Easy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
- 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Stuffani’s Comfort: This is my shortcut to joy on tough nights. No stress, no complicated shopping lists just creamy bowtie pasta with beef that makes my kitchen smell like someone’s taking care of me.
Instructions Easy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Drop in bowties and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Stuffani’s Tip: Don’t let them go mushy. Pasta deserves respect.
Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook 5–7 minutes until beef is browned and onion is soft. Stir in garlic for the last minute.
Kitchen truth: Garlic burns fast. Stir like it matters it does.
Step 3: Build the flavor
Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Stuffani’s Whisper: This simmer is where the magic happens. Let it talk to you.
Step 4: Make it creamy
Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream, then shredded cheese. Stir until the sauce is rich and smooth.
Stuffani’s Note: This is the moment it shifts from dinner to comfort.
Step 5: Bring it all together
Add bowtie pasta, tossing until coated in creamy beef sauce. Garnish with parsley.
Stuffani’s Advice: Don’t wait for fancy. Serve it straight from the skillet. Family eats first, pretty plates second.
If you loved this skillet win, you’ll also enjoy my Creamy One-Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta.
Ways to make it special for you, one comforting bite at a time
- Some nights, I follow this easy creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe like it’s a map home
- Other nights, I stir, taste, and just pray the skillet carries me.
Real swaps that feel like home
- No ground beef? Use ground turkey or chicken it’s still one of the best dinner recipes.
- No cheddar? Mozzarella makes it silky, Parmesan makes it sharp.
- Out of heavy cream? Mix milk with a spoonful of cream cheese for richness.
- Want another skillet win? My Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Pasta brings the same cheesy magic in a whole new way.
Stuffani’s Whisper: My mom used to say, “Half-empty shelves make full hearts.” Some of my best meals were born from not enough.
Easy touches that tell your story
- Add spinach, peas, or roasted peppers suddenly it’s a veggie-packed high protein dinner recipe.
- Sprinkle Parmesan right before serving it melts like a memory.
- Love garlic? Roast a few cloves and stir them in the flavor lingers like comfort that won’t leave.
- Craving another creamy classic? My Homestyle Beef and Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake is cozy baked perfection.
Stuffani’s Advice: Cook this the way you’ll want to remember it. Every swap, every sprinkle it’s your family’s story. That’s why it matters.
Serving and Storing Easy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- This easy creamy beef and bowtie pasta is my pause button.
- It’s silky, hearty, and feels like the end of a long day wrapped in comfort.
How to serve
- Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, the way creamy ground beef pasta was meant to be.
- Some nights I pair it with a side of roasted broccoli, just like my mom used to.
- Other nights, I scoop it alongside garlic bread and call it one of my easiest high protein family.
- And when I want joy doubled, I set it next to my Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta two pastas on one table feels like a celebration.
Stuffani’s Note: Once, I served this with everyone leaning at the counter, forks in hand, scooping right from the skillet. No plates. No rules. Just beef, cream, and laughter filling the kitchen.
How to store and reheat
- Let it cool just enough before storing too hot and it steams itself soggy.
- Slip leftovers into an airtight container or wrap tight with foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet until the sauce melts back.
- When I want comfort later in the week, I pair it with my Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce two pasta favorites side by side, feeding everyone happy.
Stuffani’s Whisper: Sometimes, I tuck a little serving in the back of the fridge. Not to hide it… okay, maybe to hide it. Because moms deserve leftovers too.
Mistakes to Avoid and Sauce Variations That Save Dinner
Common Cooking Mistakes (and Quick Fixes)
| Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sauce too runny | Not simmered long enough | Cook down 3–5 more minutes until thick |
| Pasta clumping | Didn’t reserve sauce/liquid | Toss with splash of pasta water or broth |
| Cheese grainy | Pre-shredded with additives | Shred block cheese fresh before adding |
Stuffani’s Whisper: I’ve made every mistake in this skillet. What matters is fixing it fast and still putting comfort on the table.
Choose Your Creamy Base (Simple Swaps for Every Taste)
- Heavy cream + cheddar: the rich, classic choice for bold comfort.
- Cream cheese + Worcestershire: tangy, smooth, inspired twist.
- Greek yogurt + Parmesan: lighter but still creamy and satisfying.
Stuffani’s Note: My mom used what she had sometimes milk, sometimes cheese ends. It wasn’t about the base, it was about the love stirred in.
For more recipes follow me on pinterest and Facebook
FAQs About Easy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Can I make Easy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Store up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
Yes. Try turkey, chicken, or sausage for quick swaps.
How can I make this dish lighter or healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of cream and lean beef or turkey.
Can I freeze Easy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?
Freeze the sauce only. Toss with fresh pasta when reheated.
Conclusion
- This Easy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta isn’t just a recipe
- it’s the kind of comfort that makes a Tuesday feel like Sunday.
- It’s creamy, filling, and one of my go-to quick and cheap meals
- One skillet. One story. A bowl full of flavor that always feels like home
Easy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Comfort in Every Bite
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Description
This Easy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a quick ground beef dinner idea that combines tender farfalle pasta, savory beef, and a velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for family-friendly pasta dinners and weeknight comfort meals.
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups (480ml) beef broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook 5–7 minutes until beef is browned and onion is soft. Stir in garlic for the last minute.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Add shredded cheese and stir until the sauce is rich and smooth.
5. Toss in the cooked bowtie pasta until evenly coated in creamy beef sauce.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
This creamy ground beef pasta skillet is best served fresh, but leftovers keep up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: easy creamy beef and bowtie pasta, creamy beef pasta recipes, family friendly pasta dinners, quick ground beef dinner ideas, creamy bowtie pasta with beef
